Thom Gicquel/Delphine Delrue have secured their place in the semifinals of the VICTOR China Open 2026, winning against third seeds Mathias Christiansen/Alexandra Bøje in straight games.

The French sixth seeds claimed a 24-22 21-16 win in Changzhou, securing themselves a podium finish at the Super 1000 tournament.

The opening game proved decisive in what was an intense clash between Europe's two strongest mixed doubles pairs. After a strong start from Gicquel/Delrue, the Danes found their rhythm and looked set to take the opener as they were ahead 20-16. However, the French pair saved four game points before turning the game around to take it 24-22.

The second game started in a similar way. Gicquel/Delrue led back to level the score at 15-15. The French pair won six of the final seven points to close out the match 21-16.

For Gicquel, the dramatic first game proved to be the turning point. "The first set was a huge advantage, especially because they were leading 20-17. I think we started well and then they opened well the court and we were rushing a bit, we wanted to have the point too quickly. And the key was to get the lift and to be really high on court and we managed well today to control the front and the mid-court, so that was the key."

Delrue was just as happy with the win, particularly against opponents who have been in excellent form in recent months. "It's very happy news, especially to beat the Danes. They are playing really good lately so it's a good victory for us and it's nice to be in the semifinal."

With a spot in the final now at stake, the French duo are not shying away from getting close to the title this week. "We are here to win every match. I know it's really hard, but we can win everything now, so we will try."